In Focus: Newcastle target Sandro Ramirez would be a hugely risky signing

According to reports in the Daily Mail, Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has enquired about signing out of favour Everton striker Sandro Ramirez on loan until the end of the season.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Magpies manager is desperate to strengthen his attacking options before the January transfer window slams shut with his team scoring just 22 goals in their 24 Premier League matches so far this season, which has left them one point above the relegation zone.

The Daily Mail says that while Benitez has made an enquiry for Leicester City centre-forward Islam Slimani, he has also asked about Sandro with the Spaniard struggling to settle into life at Goodison Park following a £5.2m move from Malaga during the summer.

How has Sandro done this season?

The 22-year-old was labelled as one of the bargains of the summer transfer window because of his fee and the fact he scored 16 goals in 31 matches in all competitions for Malaga during the previous campaign.

However, the Spaniard has failed to make an impact with the Merseyside outfit and has made just 15 outings in total so far this term, scoring one goal and providing a further assist.

The attacker has failed to make the squad for Everton’s last four Premier League matches, and an exit before January 31 is appearing more and more likely.

Would he be a good signing for Newcastle?

It’s difficult to say.

While he was a hit for Malaga this season he hasn’t shown many signs that he is adapted to the Premier League – especially playing in the lone striker role.

Considering Benitez’s preferred system is also the 4-2-3-1 formation it would certainly be a big risk to bring him to St James’ Park, but if he was playing alongside someone like Joselu or another big striker signing he could well be more effective.

The fact that he may be available on loan takes away some of the risk, but the Tyneside outfit would also need him to come in and at least provide some sort of attacking spark and goal threat given their problems so far this season.